Recent NCV Sales on Ebay

[thinze3]

There are some reports that Marriott is not exercising ROFR right now, due to the glut of units available and inability to sell due to the economy.

Take it for what it's worth (nothing), but remember that the real purpose of ROFR is to get cheap units to Marriott that it can resell and make a huge profit. Given that sales are difficult right now, and cash is a bit tight, Marriott doesn't have much need to swap its cash for units that it can't sell. So, if you want to take the chance of owning a timeshare with high annual fees, and think you won't have any problem meeting the annual obligation as it comes due, now is a good time to buy at good prices without much risk of ROFR being exercised.

I couldn't agree more, Hoc. I am waiting to hear on ROFR for a Marriott unit that I recently "contracted". I am also consistently tracking more units.

Terry

 

[kjd]

Cost of ownership

It seems impossible to me to be able to make any sense out of the timeshare market during these uncertain times. Does ROFR actually prop up prices and the lack of ROFR make them fall? Do increased maintenance fees lessen the value of a timeshare? With so many people selling to get away from the rising annual fees, how low can prices go? Will the new point system help or hurt Marriott owners?

There are many questions but few certainties. The timeshare market is what it is. The most important question is how does all of this fit into your needs. Market timing is like trying to catch a falling knife. Forget about it. If you can afford to purchase a Marriott timeshare and it fits with your plans, now and in the future, then I think that you should go ahead with a purchase. In this market there is the best selection of resale units that I have seen in years.

With regard to maintenance fees, I think that they are reasonable. Marriott hotel rooms are at least $100-$250 per day. Most timeshare owners recognize that the amenities of timesharing far exceed the value of renting a hotel room. Adoption of a deferred maintenance program would only lead to a lower standard of service and ever lower prices. If you do not use your unit or if you cannot afford the increaso in marintenance fees you should consider selling. Timeharing may not save you any money. It's just another vacation option.